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BENEFITS OF INFORMAL SCIENCE EDUCATION <br />TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY <br />Research shows that the majority of science learning <br />occurs outside of the formal classroom.2 Museums, parks, <br />nature centers, zoos and aquariums, and science centers <br />contribute significantly to teaching the public about <br />scientific phenomena and involving people of all ages in <br />activities that support science literacy. <br />The city of Santa Ana lacks access to science -based <br />activities and programs in the community and most <br />families are not engaged in hands-on science activities <br />at home. From a demographic standpoint, Santa Ana <br />youth are disadvantaged in the area of education in <br />general, and science in particular. According to July 2018 <br />population estimates, the racial/ethnic make-up Santa Ana <br />is approximately 44% white/non-Hispanic; 12% Asian; <br />and 1% black/African American; with approximately 77% <br />Latino or Hispanic. Around 20% of the population falls <br />below the federal poverty line.3 <br />Santa Ana <br />racial/ethnic make-up <br />77% <br />Latino or <br />Hispanic <br />IR_�qq <br />10% <br />White <br />1% <br />Black/African <br />American <br />During the 2017-2018 school year (most recent data <br />available), over 80% of students enrolled in Santa Ana <br />public schools came from socioeconomically disadvantaged <br />homes.4 The percentage of students who dropout of school <br />before graduating from high school is 44%, the highest <br />drop -out rate in this region of California.s <br />Besides the Santa Ana Zoo, there are few organizations in <br />the area that provide opportunities for science education. <br />While these organizations are excellent resources for the <br />community, their reach is not wide enough to create the <br />impact that the residents of Santa Ana deserve. Santa <br />Ana Zoo proposes to involve these and other like-minded <br />organizations in the development and delivery of programs <br />included in this project, thereby increasing access to <br />science education and environmental literacy for many <br />more youth. <br />USGS <br />science for a changing world <br />The Zoo already fosters a unique partnership with US <br />Geological Survey (USGS), with the Zoo serving as <br />one of the USGS's field stations. Senior scientists from <br />USGS work in dedicated research labs located on the <br />Zoo grounds, focusing on southern California wildlife <br />such as the mountain yellow legged frog, western pond <br />turtles, rubber boas, and golden eagles. Current research <br />questions explore, for example, how habitat disturbance <br />and roadways affect the distribution of wildlife. In return <br />for access to space at the Zoo, USGS staff participate in <br />Zoo events such as Party for the Planet. Zoo volunteers <br />sometimes assist USGS staff with field work. <br />2.Falk, J.&L. Dierking(2010). The 95 Percent Solution, School is not where mostAmerican <br />4. Education Data Partnership. Retrieved 2019-10-07fmmhttp://wmw.ed-data.org/ <br />learn most of their serene.Amencan Scientist (Vol 98)pp. 486-493. <br />district/Orange/Santa-Ana-Unified <br />3. United States Census Bureau. Quick facts: Santa Ana, California. Retrieved 2019-17/� Santa Ana, California. Retrieved 2019-IP07from https://vv✓ua. <br />from https://w.cemusZm/guickfads/santaanacityralifornia <br />CToN/rGharts: <br />MM// dRISSW,,Vt�arts.com/Califomia/Education/Santa-Ana-city-CA-Education-datodburl <br />